I’m delighted to welcome you today to my stop on the blog tour for gorgeous debut novel The Empire by the one and only Michael Ball OBE. Thank you to Rachel Gilbey and Zaffre Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this magical book.
About the book:
The Empire
Welcome to The Empire theatre
1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly
mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in
its cast of characters – both on stage and behind the scenes.
There’s stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby
Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former
showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there’s cool, competent Grace Hawkins,
without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for?
When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire’s future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is
treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover
the truth before it’s too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark?
Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his
debut novel.
Enjoy the show!
Purchase Links:
http://unbouncepages.com/Michael-ball/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-
ebook/dp/B09X1725SP
https://www.amazon.com/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-
ebook/dp/B09X1725SP
About the author:
Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He’s been a star of
musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a
Musical twice, he’s also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly
sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum
albums. The Empire is his first novel.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrmichaelball/
Publisher: https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmichaelball/?hl=en
Publisher: https://www.instagram.com/zaffrebooks/
My Review:
The Empire is the gorgeous debut novel by musical theatre superstar Michael Ball. As someone who has been a huge fan of Michael’s for many years, I jumped at the chance to read and review his debut novel as part of the blog tour. But I must admit I did feel a little bit of trepidation going in as I was more than aware that just because Michael is an amazing entertainer and all round nice guy, it didn’t mean he would be able to put pen to paper and write a novel I would want to read. But thankfully I needn’t have worried as The Empire is everything I hoped it would be and more, the story mesmerising as Michael brings the glitz, glamour and romance of the theatre vividly to life.
Michael Ball has written an enchanting story that had me enthralled from beginning to end. The perfect book to lose yourself in at the end of a long day, The Empire has everything you could possibly need from an historical romance. With a large and varied cast of memorable characters you can’t help but fall in love with, The Empire is a moving and uplifting read that once started you do not want to put down. Michael’s writing is delightful as he instantly transports you to post World War 1 England and the glitz and glamour of a world he obviously knows so much about.
A must read for any lover of musical theatre, The Empire is a fantastic read with twists, turns, well drawn characters and sharp, witty dialogue that flows easily on the page. Theatre, romance, glitz and glamour, The Empire has it all! But it also has a more serious side, with gentle, poignant moments that will make your heart ache as the story propels you forward, the author’s trademark warmth, wit and charisma coming through with every word. I adored this enchanting debut novel and look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
Michael Ball’s debut novel is a magical, gorgeously written historical novel that I would highly recommend. I loved it!
The Empire by Michael Ball is available to purchase now.
Check out what these other fabulous bloggers have to say about this book:
Cal Turner Reviews 